Director of Government Relations

Company:Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (KEC)
Job Title:Director of Government Relations
Location:Topeka KS

Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (KEC) the statewide association for Kansas electric co-ops is seeking a full-time Director of Government Relations to lead KECs legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement. This senior-level position directs government relations activities to promote and influence legislation rules regulations and actions affecting rural electrification and related programs at state and national levels. The Director must be able to build and maintain strong professional relationships with the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation the Kansas Legislature state agencies member co-op leadership and other key stakeholders. Additionally the position oversees KECs grassroots advocacy program and serves as executive director of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives PAC.

Previous experience related to industry advocacy lobbying the Kansas Legislature and/or work with government agencies or campaigns is required. The applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

KEC offers a competitive salary and benefits package including 401(k) with match NRECA pension plan health and dental insurance paid vacation and holidays.

To apply submit a cover letter and résumé by email at by September 18.

Additional position specifications are listed below:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and review legislative proposals identify potential consequences on the rural electric program and recommend positions and strategies.
• Serve as a registered Kansas lobbyist and primary reporting lobbyist.
• Develop and implement legislative strategies in accordance with association direction and applicable state and federal ethics and laws.
• Support efforts to promote political involvement of member systems through the development and implementation of KECs 3-part advocacy program of direct lobbying relationship building and financially supporting cooperatively minded candidates.
• Build relationships with local and state government leaders and staff to best posture the cooperatives.
• Inform policymakers and the public regarding positions on public policy affecting electric cooperatives.
• Advise executive management on political activity such as event participation and field corporate campaign finance questions.
• Represent the company in trade organizations and industry events.
• Produce and provide additional legislative insight for publications developed in the Government Relations and Communications department such as newsletters brochures updates and legislative summaries.
• Inform employees Board members grassroots advocates and the KEC membership on a timely basis regarding legislative issues and decisions of importance legal lobbying activities and other developments affecting the rural electrification program.
• Develop and implement grassroots programs designed to involve directors employees and members of Kansas electric cooperatives in advocacy efforts.
• Organize grassroots and grasstop activities including association meetings state and federal legislative events and other programs as established.
• Work with the KS-Americas Electric Cooperative PAC in cooperation with the Kansas Electric Cooperatives PAC program to build partnerships with member cooperatives to increase political involvement and serve as primary KEC staff contact for both.
• Monitor regulatory agency activities affecting electric cooperatives and advise management consultants and the member systems. Prepare and/or submit regulatory requests as needed. Serve as an additional contact with certain regulatory agency staff and assist in managing those relationships as needed.
• Provide general assistance to KEC staff and overall programming as needed including but not limited to annual meetings training and special events or projects.

Key Requirements:

• College Degree
• Must possess a current valid Kansas drivers license.
• Previous experience related to industry advocacy lobbying the Kansas Legislature and/or work with government agencies.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven experience in effectively communicating with government and other officials.
• Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively within the cooperatives and across the utility industry.
• Ability to work on matters requiring high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to operate computers and associated programs including Microsoft Office at the level required to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of the position.
• Must be able to meet people easily communicate effectively both written and verbally and win employees and members confidence.
• Must desire to keep up with current issues facing electric cooperatives and the impact these issues have on KEC its members and its communities.

If you want to join a team of forward-looking professionals and are looking for an opportunity to grow in your career we urge you to send a cover letter and resume to. To view the full position description please visitCareers Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc.